Rape and torture in the Chittagong Hill Tracts

Violence continues against the Jumma tribal people of Bangladesh. On 12 July a Jumma shopkeeper was arrested by the army in Mahalchari. He was severely beaten and tortured, and was given electric shocks. The military maintains a heavy presence in the Hill Tracts, operating de facto military rule. This is despite the 1997 Peace Accord which committed the government to dismantling all non-permanent army camps.

Violence by Bengali settlers against the Jumma is also a problem, with settlers being financed and supported by the government and the army. A woman from the Marma tribe was gang raped by settlers on 30 June. At least five more rapes by settlers have been reported this year. Many more go unreported.

To write a letter in support of the Jumma click here